DNR News: change would expand e-bike operation 

DNR News: change would expand e-bike operation 

 
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DNR News

March 15, 2024
Contact: Nicole Hunt, 517-282-9970

Proposed change would expand allowable e-bike operation 

Land use update would affect state park-managed nonmotorized trails open to bicycles

Biking at Van Buren State Park

Operation of Class 1 electric bicycles on state park-managed nonmotorized trails open to bicycles would expand under a proposed Michigan Department of Natural Resources land use change that could go into effect as early as this spring.

Under current Michigan law, only Class 1 e-bikes – e-bikes that are pedal-assisted and can go up to 20 miles per hour – are allowed on improved surface trails, which are trails that are paved or consist of gravel or asphalt. Current law also allows for local entities to expand or further regulate e-bike usage in their respective communities.

The proposed DNR land use change would expand allowable e-bike use to include Class 1 e-bikes on natural surface, nonmotorized trails on state park-managed land open to bicycles.

In addition, the proposed change would allow operation of Class 2 e-bikes, which are throttle- and pedal-assisted and can travel up to 20 miles per hour, on both linear paved trails and state park-managed natural surface trails for mobility purposes as long as a cyclist had applied for and received a permit to do so. Currently, Class 2 e-bikes are allowed with a permit only on nonmotorized, natural surface trails (such as mountain bike trails).

This expansion would not apply on wildlife or state forest land trails that are open to bicycles. Also, Class 3 e-bikes, which are pedal-assisted and have a maximum speed of 28 miles per hour, would remain prohibited on any state-managed land under the new policy.

The 3,000 miles of nonmotorized state park-managed trails open to bicycles that would be affected by this proposed change may be viewed on the DNR’s interactive nonmotorized trail map. If the proposed change is approved, signage indicating allowable e-bike use would be placed at trailheads.

“This change would make trails more accessible for people who may not have the physical ability to ride a traditional bike,” said Tim Novak, the DNR’s state trails coordinator. “This would include individuals living with disabilities, older adults and really anyone who wishes to experience some assistance as they ride a bicycle. Class 1 e-bikes require pedaling, providing a great health benefit to riders.”

E-bike use in Michigan – and beyond

As e-bike use grows across the country, with many states approving areas for their use, the Michigan DNR’s decision to expand use on specific state-managed trails involved many months of research and discussion by DNR staff and trail user groups.

“The DNR’s decision to move forward with this proposed land use change wasn’t based on a desire to be trendy, but rather on providing individuals with more recreation options while also being conscientious of our state’s natural and cultural resources,” said Nicole Hunt, regulatory unit manager with the DNR.

Considering federal government recognition of e-bike use also was part of the process, Hunt said.

“The federal government, recognizing the benefit of e-bikes for trail recreation, updated its federal grant funding regulations for nonmotorized, natural surface trail development to no longer prohibit use of e-bikes on trails developed with federal funds,” she said.

The DNR also researched how other states are allowing e-bike usage.

“We have benchmarked other states and local trail systems that allow e-bikes on natural surface, nonmotorized trails, and what we found was there haven’t been issues with conflicts or injuries or unnecessary wear and tear on our natural resources which would cause any reservation in expanding e-bike use,” Novak said.

The Arkansas state park system stood out as it has a vast number of trails, including mountain biking trails, and has allowed e-bikes for years with no issues, Hunt said.

DNR seeking public input 

A public survey about the proposed land use change is open through March 31, and results will be shared during the April 11 Michigan Natural Resources Commission meeting. The proposed policy change will go before DNR Director Scott Bowen for action at the commission’s May meeting, with any approved change going into effect immediately thereafter.

The Michigan Natural Resources Commission, a seven-member public body whose members are appointed by the governor, conducts monthly, public meetings in locations throughout Michigan and has a portion of the meeting dedicated to items under the purview of the DNR’s director. The April 11 meeting takes place at Lansing Community College, 600 North Grand Ave. in Lansing.

The e-bike survey may be accessed directly at research.net/r/DNR-E-BIKE.

“We look forward to receiving this important public feedback about this proposed policy change,” Novak said. “We are sharing this survey widely in hopes of receiving input from as many people and perspectives as possible.”

Learn more about what qualifies as an e-bike in Michigan, the current e-bike policy on state-managed park land and survey details at Michigan.gov/DNR/Ebikes.


Note to editors: An accompanying photo, by Tyler Leipprandt for the Michigan DNR, is available below for download. Caption information follows.

Cycling: A pair of cyclists enjoy the trail at Van Buren State Park near South Haven in Van Buren County.

Showcasing the DNR: estimate wolf abundance in Upper Peninsula

Showcasing the DNR: estimate wolf abundance in Upper Peninsula

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animated deer GIF showing how RECONN.AI software works

Developing a cost-effective technique to estimate wolf abundance in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

By JOHN PEPIN
Deputy public information officer
Michigan Department of Natural Resources

On a desolate two-track road, a man approaches on a snowmobile.

Watching the road ahead, he notices a line of tracks in the snow that lead from a dense stand of trees along a creek. The man stops the sled and as it idles, he leans over for a better view.

He’s found what he’s looking for – gray wolf tracks.

The man is wildlife technician, part of this winter’s Michigan Department of Natural Resources survey of wolves in the Upper Peninsula.

Researchers from the DNR use snowmobiles and trucks to search about 60% of the region for tracks and other signs of wolf activity and occupancy of specified study areas.

“We are continuing the 2024 winter estimate as long as we can despite the very low snowfall this winter,” said Brian Roell, a DNR wildlife biologist and the department’s wolf specialist. “We are approximately 75-80% completed.”

The lower snowfall amounts this winter have made it harder to find wolf tracks.

The DNR alternates wolf surveys every other winter with efforts to produce moose population estimates.

Methods and measures

 wolf survey unit density stratification mapThe previously most recent wolf track survey, conducted during early 2022, resulted in a wolf minimum population estimate of 631, and an estimated 136 wolf packs.

In the western U.P., researchers have found the highest densities of wolves in primarily the counties bordering Wisconsin and the southernmost counties in the eastern U.P.

Over recent years, as wolves have become more widely established in the region and their numbers have risen, wolf surveys have become more challenging for researchers.

“The current minimum count requires significant effort to provide an index of abundance,” said Tyler Petroelje, a DNR wildlife researcher. “As wolf density has increased, more time is needed to discern adjacent packs.”

Petroelje said the track survey method does not account for imperfect detection (places deemed unoccupied that are occupied) of wolves nor does it provide a confidence interval, indicating how statistically accurate the minimum population estimate is.

Efforts begun in 2022 to research alternative methods to estimate wolf abundance are still underway in the U.P. and are expected to continue through 2027.

“We are looking to increase precision and decrease costs,” Petroelje said.

The team involved in the ongoing joint DNR-Michigan State University project includes veterans of a predator-prey study conducted from 2009 to 2019 in low, medium and high snowfall zones in the U.P.

The wildlife biologists and researchers on the new wolf abundance project include Brian Roell and Petroelje at the DNR and Jerrold Belant, J. Matt Nelson and Dean Beyer at Michigan State.

Alternatives

trail camera photo of a gray wolfIn the project’s early stages, researchers dismissed some potential means to survey wolves because of inherent problems.

Aerial surveys are not used because of the significant area to study and extensive forest cover that makes finding wolves difficult.

Wolf howling surveys have a low response rate, and detection requires significant time investment to estimate wolf abundance.

However, researchers championed a couple of other ideas, including modifying the current track survey to account for imperfect detection and using game cameras and artificial intelligence to acquire and sort wolf images, respectively.

“Breakthroughs in machine learning allow for rapid classification of remote camera images,” Petroelje said. “It also provides potential to monitor other wildlife species in addition to wolves.”

Researchers sought to evaluate the effectiveness of the occupancy-based track surveys and the efficacy of camera-based surveys, and compare the cost effectiveness of the techniques, considering the potential for monitoring other wildlife species like bobcats, black bears and moose.

Pilot surveys

trail camera attached to tree along trailIn 2022, a pilot project using a camera survey was conducted over portions of Marquette, Alger, Delta and Schoolcraft counties.

Researchers put up 200 trail cameras over 40 contiguous, hexagon-shaped cells each covering an area of 62 square miles. The distribution produced a density of one camera for every 12.5 square miles.

Over a period of three months, the cameras captured 1.7 million images.

An artificial intelligence program called RECONN.AI was able to positively identify and sort various animal images from the photographs. This software also blurs images of people and vehicles to protect personally identifiable information.

The analysis showed the cameras had captured 40,323 photos of white-tailed deer, 7,534 black bear, 4,221 wolf, 2,936 coyote, 2,823 sandhill crane, 2,315 red fox and 764 bobcat.

For comparison, a 2022-2023 pilot snow track survey was conducted over the same geographic area.

Trucks and snowmobiles traveled over 756 miles of roads in the area looking for wolf tracks, with an average of 19 miles of roads in each of the survey area cells. In all, 2,268 miles were driven with 119 observations of wolf tracks made.

Researchers said this second method was more time-consuming, weather-dependent and difficult to scale upward to cover the entire U.P.

Scaling up

A preliminary analysis of the results of the camera pilot project demonstrated the need for some changes, including increasing the size of the cells to match the annual home territory of wolves tracked with GPS collars and decreasing the density of cameras.

map showing the locations of cameras deployedA camera grid was created to cover the entire U.P. with 202 hexagonal cells measuring 130.5 square miles each. Eight cameras were to be deployed for each cell, resulting in one camera for every 16 square miles.

Twenty-two cells were excluded from camera placement because land parcels represented only partial cells, while another 21 cells were also excluded because the land was made up mostly of city or private ownership.

A total of 1,230 trail cameras were set out over 159 cells.

The cameras were placed on tree trunks at a height of 4.5 feet from the ground, along the nearest accessible road or trail near predetermined points, with wolves habitually traveling trails and roads with low use.

Cameras were placed facing generally north, with a notice posted to passersby about the wildlife research purpose of the cameras.

Full camera deployment is planned for the next two years. Those deployed in 2023 will be revisited in 2024 and 2025.

The future

Photo analysis using RECONN.AI will continue this year and next to generate a wolf abundance estimate for the U.P.

“Annual reports will be made available to the public,” Petroelje said. “A public-facing website will also be created with interactive capabilities to view results.”

After 2025, full camera deployment will continue to create abundance estimates for not only wolves, but other wildlife species as well.

“The trail camera system will be less expensive because it will cut down on the amount of field time tracking labor,” Roell said. “It can estimate the wolf population at other times of the year, allowing us to move away from a midwinter count.”

Roell said Wisconsin has been using the camera survey method over the past few years, determining that the wolf track survey method produces results within the 95% confidence limits.

“In other words, both methods work and produce very similar results,” Roell said.

Concerns

trail camera photo of two gray wolvesThe ability to generate accurate information on wolf status and abundance in Michigan is important to ongoing hopes of removing gray wolves in our state from the federal List of Endangered and Threatened Species as a recovered species.

Delisting gray wolves now considered threatened or endangered species would allow wolf management decisions to be controlled by states and tribal governments, including the DNR in Michigan.

The DNR supports efforts to delist wolves as a recovered species in Michigan. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in a response to court decisions, is working to create a national wolf recovery plan.

Though the camera survey method will produce statistically accurate results at reduced human effort and financial costs, cooperation from the public is needed it is to ultimately be effective.

“This new method is expected to provide many benefits, but this is all reliant on if it works for Michigan,” Roell said. “We have already heard about and witnessed a fair amount of camera sabotage damage.”

Find out more about wolves in Michigan.

Check out previous Showcasing the DNR stories in our archive at Michigan.gov/DNRStories. To subscribe to upcoming Showcasing articles, sign up for free email delivery at Michigan.gov/DNREmail.


Note to editors: Contact: John Pepin, Showcasing the DNR series editor, 906-226-1352. Accompanying photos and a text-only version of this story are available below for download. Caption information follows. Credit Michigan Department of Natural Resources, unless otherwise noted.

Text-only version of this story.

Camera: One of the trail cameras – placed on tree trunks at a height of 4.5 feet from the ground – deployed for the 2023 wolf survey.

Deer_GIF: This animation demonstrates how the RECONN.AI artificial intelligence software works to identify and sort various animal images from the survey photographs.

Grid: An image showing 40 contiguous, hexagon-shaped cells, each covering an area of 62 square miles, where 200 trail cameras were put up as part of the 2022 camera survey pilot project.

Locations: A map showing the locations of cameras deployed across the Upper Peninsula in 2023 for the wolf survey.

Notice: A notice was posted for passersby about the wildlife research purpose of the survey cameras.

Stratification: This wolf survey unit stratification map shows varying degrees of wolf density across the Upper Peninsula.

Wolf_1Wolf_2 and Wolf_3: Some of the wolf images gathered during the 2022 camera survey pilot project.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to Michigan.gov/DNR.
DNR News: Friday is Conservation Officer Appreciation Day

DNR News: Friday is Conservation Officer Appreciation Day

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DNR News

March 14, 2024
Contact: Katie Gervasi, 517-290-0679

Friday is Conservation Officer Appreciation Day

conservation officer holding a duck beakAs fully licensed law enforcement officers who serve a unique role in our state’s law enforcement community, Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers receive additional training to protect natural resources – fish and wildlife, state parks and forests, rivers, lakes and streams – and the people who enjoy them.

In honor of the 250 men and women who swore under oath to faithfully enforce the laws of Michigan and the rules and regulations of the DNR, and who currently patrol all 83 counties, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed Friday, March 15, as Conservation Officer Appreciation Day.

The proclamation, in part, shares that:

  • The State of Michigan considers the protection of its citizens, environment and cultural, historic and natural resources to be among its highest priorities.
  • Conservation officers continuously adapt to successfully meet emerging challenges, accept new missions and deliver premier customer service.
  • These officers serve with bravery, honor and distinction in locations ranging from urban communities to the deep woods and the Great Lakes.

“DNR conservation officers work hard every day to protect Michigan’s natural resources and the millions of visitors who value them. It is less a job and much more a calling,” said DNR Director Scott Bowen.

These officers serve as front-line protectors, helping to ensure that the next generation can safely, successfully enjoy hunts that put food on the table, camping trips, hikes and other adventures on scenic public lands, and responsible participation in boating, off-road vehicle riding, snowmobiling and other outdoor pursuits.”

In 2023, DNR conservation officers contacted more than 420,000 people through their patrols and outreach, in a job that is anything but predictable. A shift might begin at 3 a.m., gearing up in green with hunter orange and silently leaving home to ensure they are in the woods before the first shots of opening day, or responding to reports of ORV trespassing, illegal hunting from vehicles with loaded and uncased firearms, and hunters or hikers who didn’t return home on time. Sometimes it’s about celebrating an angler’s first catch or rewarding young boaters for properly wearing their life jackets.

“Conservation officers respond where they are needed, when they are needed,” Bowen said.

Michigan conservation officers are fully licensed law enforcement officers who provide natural resources protection, ensure recreational safety, and protect residents through general law enforcement and conducting lifesaving operations in the communities they serve. Learn more at Michigan.gov/ConservationOfficers.


Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.

Duck: Conservation Officer Sydney Griffor verifies a northern pintail, successfully taken in St. Clair County.

River: Acting Sgt. Kyle Bucholtz and Conservation Officer Marissa Sturtevant check for anglers on a spring day in Huron County.

Teaching: Conservation Officer Anna Cullen presents a fur kit to a young group of students in Muskegon County.

DNR News: state park improvements ramp up

DNR News: state park improvements ramp up

 
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DNR News

March 12, 2024
contact: Ron Olson, 517-243-1477 or Kristin Bennett, 248-431-1265

As state park improvements ramp up, visitors reminded about planning for closures

toilet and shower building under constructionThanks to a massive $250 million investment made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act, many critical improvements at Michigan state parks are underway or getting ready to break ground in the coming months.

Although the work will cause slight disruptions to overnight and day-trip plans at some locations, state park officials say it’s a worthwhile tradeoff – governed by a strict timeline – that will yield substantial long-term visitor benefits. The federal relief funds will help the Michigan Department of Natural Resources address a decades-long backlog of repair and maintenance needs and help build a new state park in Flint.

“In the construction world, this is much like a race against time to design, bid and plan these projects in such a short time frame,” said Ron Olson, DNR Parks and Recreation chief. “The ARPA funds must be committed by Dec. 31, 2024, and spent on those projects by Dec. 31, 2026. It’s an exciting opportunity, but one that requires careful planning, broad action and thorough execution.”

Know before you go

Olson encouraged anyone considering a state park visit – now or later this season – to visit Michigan.gov/DNRClosures to find anticipated closure dates and additional information on these enhancement projects. Any revised construction timelines will be announced on the closures page almost daily or as conditions require.

*Camping-specific updates are also listed in the Michigan state park and harbor reservation system at MiDNRReservations.com.

Examples of ARPA-related work planned for this spring, summer and fall include:

  • Algonac State Park (St. Clair County): Full-hookup site installation and road repairs in the day-use area and modern campground will prompt closures this spring and summer. A proposed $4.1 million in ARPA funding is available for these and other renovations.
  • Brighton Recreation Area (Livingston County): Electrical and road upgrades will close the Bishop Lake modern campground Aug. 11, 2024, to mid-May 2025. In addition, road repairs will close the Horseman’s equestrian campground June 1-Oct. 15, 2024. A proposed $2.97 million in ARPA funding is available for these and other renovations.
  • Interlochen State Park (Grand Traverse County): Due to a planned park enhancement project to upgrade the park’s water and sewer system and beach house toilet building, the day-use area and modern campground are closed this spring and summer. The park’s Duck Lake Boating Access Site will intermittently close. The Green Lake Boating Access Site and rustic campground will remain open. A proposed $3.57 million in ARPA funding is available for these and other renovations.
  • Fort Custer Recreation Area (Kalamazoo County): To replace both toilet and shower buildings, the park’s modern campground is temporarily closed. The east loop is slated to open July 31; however, it may open earlier if construction is ahead of schedule. The west loop likely will remain closed through July 31 due to additional enhancements, such as new underground electrical conductors, site pedestals and distribution panels. All other park amenities, including boating access sites, trails, cabins, group camps picnic shelters and the equestrian campground will remain open. A proposed $3 million in ARPA funding is available for these and other renovations.
  • Ludington State Park (Mason County): Enhancements that include paving, parking expansion and improved traffic and pedestrian flow at the park’s main entrance will close the majority of the park Sept. 3, 2024, through July 1, 2025. The 2,000 acres of parkland and 3-mile stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline south of the Big Sable River, including the hiking trails and boardwalk, will remain open and accessible to the public via roadway parking along M-116. A proposed $4.26 million in ARPA funding is available for these and other renovations.
  • McLain State Park (Houghton County): An upgrade of the wastewater treatment system will close the modern campground starting Aug. 1 and lasting for the remainder of the 2024 season. A proposed $350,000 in ARPA funding is available for these and other renovations.
  • Port Crescent State Park (Huron County): To upgrade roads, water/sewer lines, electrical and the sanitation station, the park’s modern campground is closed for the 2024 season. The beach house also is being upgraded but is slated to reopen by this Memorial Day. A proposed $4.95 million in ARPA funding is available for these and other renovations.

Follow ARPA-funded projects and closures

To stay up to date on the status of ARPA-funded projects and learn more about funding and decision-making, visit Michigan.gov/StateParksProgress.

Questions? Contact Kristen Bennett, development unit manager for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division, at 248-431-1265 or [email protected].


Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download.

News Digest – Week of March 11, 2024

News Digest – Week of March 11, 2024

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News Digest – Week of March 11, 2024

a pale blue butterfly with pale black veining on the white-rimmed wings perches on a green plant with narrow, round-edged leaves

The Karner blue butterfly, a stunning summer sight!

Here are a few of this week’s stories from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources:

See other news releases, Showcasing the DNR stories, photos and other resources at Michigan.gov/DNRPressRoom.

PHOTO FOLDER: Larger, higher-res versions of the images used below, and others, are available in this folder.


March ‘Wildtalk’: American woodcock, black bears and more

A round-bodied, tan and black bird with a long, slender beak, sits on the sunlit forest floor, with some dry leaves and green grass shootsThe newest episode of the DNR Wildlife Division’s “Wildtalk” podcast is now available. The March show covers Michigan’s largest carnivore, the black bear, and does a deep dive on the American woodcock, a peculiar little ground-nesting bird with lots of charisma and some unique physical adaptations.

James Miller, a DNR wildlife biologist based in southwest Michigan, stops by to talk about spring infrastructure projects such as maintenance of the dike systems and water control structures at Maple River State Game Area, habitat work at Allegan State Game Area to support the Karner blue butterfly and prescribed burn planning for several locations.

DNR wildlife biologist Pete Kailing also drops in with an overview of hunting and trapping opportunities, plus a nod to filmdom’s famed mountain man, Jeremiah Johnson.

Visit the “Wildtalk” webpage for the March episode, as well as show notes and links to past episodes. Questions about the podcast? Email [email protected].


Northeast Michigan forester named 2024 Stewardship Forester

a woman with medium length dark blond hair and in a gray, long-sleeved shirt smiles as she holds a rectangular, engraved plaqueJenilee Dean, of Northeast Michigan Forestry, picked up the 2024 Stewardship Forester Award from the Michigan Association of Consulting Foresters, an honor bestowed because of Dean’s exceptional service to customers in reaching their forest management goals.

The Stewardship Forester Award, given at the association’s annual meeting in February, recognizes private sector foresters who serve Michigan’s 400,000 family forest landowners.

Dean studied biology at the University of Michigan and gained forestry experience on the job. She traveled around Michigan and the eastern United States doing seedling surveys and other forest measurements for large government and corporate landowners. A few years ago, she started her own company, Northeast Michigan Forestry LLC.

Smiling woman in slate blue baseball cap with Michigan state outline, surrounded by three smiling young girls. Thick forest in backgroundDean said she appreciates the flexible schedule that a career in consulting forestry provides. As a business owner, she gets to take her three daughters to the woods with her in the summer. They love spending time outdoors with their mom as she helps landowners take good care of their forests.

Dean has written more than 100 forest management plans over the last 15 years, covering thousands of acres in Alcona, Alpena and Iosco counties. Her clients use their plans to achieve goals like planting trees or harvesting timber to improve wildlife habitat.

“I really enjoy chatting with landowners and hearing about the history of their property and educating them about forestry,” said Dean. “I am beyond blessed to call the forest my office.”

Dean has numerous credentials to document her professional forestry skills and help landowners enroll in various forestry programs. She is a member of the Association of Consulting Foresters, a Michigan Registered Forester, a Technical Service Provider, a Qualified Forester, a DNR timber cruiser and a qualified specialist to identify and treat oak wilt disease. If you own forest land, a consulting forester like Dean can help you manage, protect and enjoy your forest.

Dennis McDougall with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service appreciates Dean’s great work.

“Relationships between foresters and landowners are at the heart of successful private forest management,” he said. “By listening to the landowner’s vision for their property, the forester develops a unique management plan designed to achieve that vision. Foresters like Jenilee help landowners understand and navigate timber markets and government programs to make sound decisions about their land.”

The Forest Stewardship Program is funded by the Forest Service and administered by the DNR. All partners are equal opportunity providers and employers. For more information, contact Mike Smalligan at 517-449-5666.


This week, ‘Wardens’ welcomes Detroit Lion Frank Ragnow

two young men with neat beards, gray-black T-shirts and baseball caps look toward the forest. One has a skeet gun open over his shoulderSuffering football withdrawal and need a little Lions love? Catch the next episode of “Wardens” – the Outdoor Channel’s weekly show that tells the story of dedicated DNR conservation officers and other staff members, and the work they do to protect and conserve Michigan’s natural resources.

This week’s show – here’s a teaser video – airs Friday and takes you behind the scenes of a charity skeet shoot hosted by Detroit Lions favorite Frank Ragnow at the DNR’s Bald Mountain Shooting Range, as well as a CO who handles separate encounters with two hunters in violation on the same road during the firearm deer season opener.

To get the Outdoor Channel, ask your local TV service provider or go to outdoorchannel.commyoutdoortv.com or Amazon Prime Video, or call 855-44-OUTDOOR. More than 78 episodes of “Wardens” have featured Michigan and tallied over 36 million viewers!

Episodes air on the Outdoor Channel every Friday at 9 p.m. Previous episodes air on FOX UP/WLUC-TV6 every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. The show also is available under the title “Wardens of the North” or “Michigan Wardens” on Animal Planet.

Questions? Contact Dave Haupt at 517-420-0819.


Photo ambassador snapshot: Lovely, looming loosestrife

bright, thin, purple and green flowers on shore in foreground, white mist rises off dark water as sunlight starts to filter into viewSee more pictures by Michigan state parks photo ambassadors at Instagram.com/MiStateParks. For more on the program, call Stephanie Yancer at 989-274-6182. This photo of purple loosestrife – a beautiful but invasive herb that harms wetlands and shoreline habitats – is by Aaron Burden, for the Michigan DNR, at Holly Recreation Area in Oakland County. Learn more about troublesome plant and animal species at Michigan.gov/Invasives.


THINGS TO DO

Learn about white-tail food plots, steelhead fishing, wild mushrooms and other cool pursuits at upcoming Outdoor Skills Academy classes.

BUY & APPLY

Hiking, boating, s’mores around the campfire, midnight stargazing and more – it’s not too soon to book your favorite summer spots!

GET INVOLVED

Whether you want to lend a hand or plan the perfect day, use the DNR events calendar to find inspiration and opportunity statewide.

DNR News Digest – Week of March 4, 2024

DNR News Digest – Week of March 4, 2024

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News Digest – Week of March 4, 2024

A tan and gray American robin stands in short green grass, lit by sunlight coming from the left
Here are a few of this week’s stories from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources:

See other news releases, Showcasing the DNR stories, photos and other resources at Michigan.gov/DNRPressRoom.

PHOTO FOLDER: Larger, higher-res versions of some of the images used in this email, and others, are available in this folder.


Fire season is now: Practice safety, check for burn permits

A man in firefighting suit and yellow hardhat hoists an orange hose over his shoulder while spraying a smoldering grassy areaFollowing a mild winter and last year’s hot, dry conditions, Michigan DNR firefighters are preparing for an early fire season.

In fact, our firefighters have already responded to several wildfires this year, and in 2023 they responded to nearly 400 wildfires. Help them reduce that number by keeping fire safety in mind and taking steps to prevent the nine out of 10 wildfires caused by people.

Check conditions

In Michigan, a burn permit is required for open burning any time the ground is not completely covered by snow.

Before burning yard debris like brush and leaves, check Michigan.gov/BurnPermit to see if weather conditions are safe. A map will show by location whether burning is permitted.

There’s no cost to get a burn permit, and you don’t need to wait for written notice. Getting a burn permit is about taking the important step of checking local conditions before you ever light a match.

“Don’t be a statistic,” said DNR fire prevention specialist Paul Rogers. “The No. 1 cause of wildfire is escaped debris burns. Having a clear understanding of expected weather conditions is critically important when planning any burn.”

In southern Lower Peninsula communities, burn permits are issued by local authorities. Local ordinances for campfires and open burning may be stricter than state or county rules.

Put safety first

Whether you’re cozying close to a warming fire, grilling dinner over an open flame or burning yard debris, follow these tips to keep your fire where it belongs:

  • Always keep a water source and metal shovel nearby.
  • Never leave a fire unattended, even for a minute.
  • Don’t burn on a windy day.
  • Completely put out your fire with water every time.

Remember, too, that burning trash, plastic or electronics is illegal, even when open burning is permitted. Responsibly dispose of these items by recycling or through municipal trash service.

For more information, visit Michigan.gov/BurnPermit. Direct media inquiries to DNR fire prevention specialist Paul Rogers at 616-260-8406.


Natural Resources Commission meets next week in Lansing

A deer is shown during winter in the Upper Peninsula.The next meeting of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission – Thursday, March 14, in Lansing – leads off with a Fisheries Committee agenda that includes an update on invasive carp, followed by the Wildlife Committee and a presentation by Michigan State University’s Dr. Jerrold Belant on the predation of white-tailed deer in the Upper Peninsula.

The meeting also will cover 40-year service awards for volunteer hunter education instructors, presentation of the DNR Wildlife Division annual report, an update on the state’s deer management initiative, discussions of migratory game bird hunting seasons and elk regulations, a legislative report and several land transactions.

The day starts at 9:30 a.m. at Lansing Community College, Downtown Campus, 600 North Grand Ave. in Lansing. See the draft meeting agenda and remaining 2024 meeting dates at Michigan.gov/NRC.

For more information or to request time to speak at the meeting, email [email protected].


Trees for bees: Creating ‘meadows in the sky’ for pollinators

a bee perched among pale orange-yellow-pink flowers and greenery of a basswood treeThe Michigan Beekeepers Association wants you to plant trees for bees! This group is the oldest continuously operating agricultural organization in the state and one of the oldest beekeeping clubs in the country. Its Trees for Pollinators program helps plant trees for the environment and provide resources for essential pollinators such as honeybees.

“Honeybees are the most important pollinating insects in the world,” said Mike Connor, Michigan Beekeepers Association beekeeper, arborist and founder of the Grand Rapids Bee Club.

Trees for Pollinators took root three years ago when Connor and Michigan Beekeepers Association president Rich Wieske started to encourage people to plant pollen- and nectar-producing trees. Together, the two solidified a plan to make pollinator-friendly trees available through local bee clubs. Wieske sold 100 basswood trees out of the trunk of his car in the first year. In the second year, more than 1,300 flowering trees were planted.

“Trees are meadows in the sky,” said Connor. “Some trees have millions of flowers that provide large quantities of quality nectar and pollen.”

As the Trees for Pollinators program continues, Wieske aims to get more pollinator-friendly trees in the ground by starting a tradition of planting a tree for every child born.

“Given the essential role honeybees play in crop pollination, it’s only sensible that the Michigan Beekeepers Association might commemorate new life by planting a tree to give back to the bees that work to sustain us,” said Wieske.

illustrated logo of a tree with oval, pointed leaves, the words Trees for Pollinators, and a hummingbird, butterfly and bee around the trunkTrees for Pollinators trees are available to purchase through the Michigan Beekeepers Association website through March 17. This year, several trees have been selected to fill pollinator needs:

  • Pussy willows, blooming in April, help bee colonies with pollen and nectar as they emerge in the spring.
  • Flowering crabapples provide nectar and pollen in early May. They also provide winter food for robins and cedar waxwings.
  • Tulip poplars are large trees and produce an exceptionally high nectar yield per flower.
  • American basswoods create high-quality nectar in great quantities for honeybees.
  • Winged sumac produces large quantities of nectar in August, supporting bees and butterflies.

The Michigan Beekeepers Association website shares growing information for each of the trees offered. A portion of proceeds benefits the organization and the local clubs that will distribute trees for pickup in April.

Questions? Visit MichiganBees.org or contact Michigan Beekeepers Association member Lisa Stinson at [email protected].

Get tree planting tips, resources and a planting map from the DNR at Michigan.gov/MiTrees.


‘Wild Times’: Learn about wildlife conservation, recreation

head and shoulders of a striped skunk, with tan face, grayish-black neck and body fur, and a thin white stripe up the nose and full white backMany Michigan residents know our state has some of the best wildlife-based recreation around! Maintaining those opportunities and keeping animal populations and habitats healthy takes a lot of effort.

Want to see what’s going on behind the scenes, learn about native animals and discover simple steps to elevate your conservation game? Check out the DNR’s winter 2024 “Wild Times” newsletter. This issue provides quick updates on several topics:

  • The striped skunk’s (stinky) mating season.
  • Responsible wildlife photography.
  • Profiles of DNR Wildlife Division staff in southeast Michigan.
  • Counting winter waterfowl with the Detroit Bird Alliance.
  • Joining the Vernal Pool Patrol.
  • ‘Wildtalk’ podcast: Do crows really have funerals?
  • Upcoming event, job, grants and support opportunities.

Learn more about how the DNR cares for wildlife at Michigan.gov/Wildlife.


Photo ambassador snapshot: Brisk, bright day at Port Crescent

bright sun breaks up crisp blue sky along snow-dusted, sandy, tree-lined shoreline of a big expanse of wavy waterSee more pictures by Michigan state parks photo ambassadors at Instagram.com/MiStateParks. For more on the program, call Stephanie Yancer at 989-274-6182. (This photo is by Karen Allmond, for the Michigan DNR, at Port Crescent State Park in Huron County).


THINGS TO DO

If the fresh air and sunshine are calling, we’ve got the answers! Explore our Things to Do webpage for outdoor inspiration throughout the state.

BUY & APPLY

Anglers, a reminder that the new season starts in less than a month (April 1) and runs through March 31, 2025. Need a license fast? Try the DNR Hunt Fish app!

GET INVOLVED

Are you or is someone you know interested in working with the DNR? Check Mi.gov/DNRJobs for current openings in wildlife, forestry, state parks, history and more.